Automatically lubricating windmill



Dec. 20, 1932.

G. C. BAIRD AUTOMATICALLY LUBRICATING WINDMILL Filed Feb. 27. 1929 gjwmntor Graver C Baird Patented Dec. 20, 1932 UNITED STATES GROVER C. BAIRD, OF LUSK, WYOMING AUTOMATICALLY LUBRICATIN G WINIJIIIILL Application filed February 27, 1929. Serial No. 342,986.

This invention relates to windmills and more particularly to a self-lubricating windmill in which the lubricant need be changed only at infrequent intervals.

In known windmills, constant oiling is required and much oil is wasted. In addition, dirt and rain soon ruins the oil so that undue wear of the parts results and the windmill is generally inefficient and short lived.

An object of the present invention is to increase the efficiency and duration of life of windmills by providing means for keeping the same always well lubricated with clean oil.

Another object of the invention is to obviate the necessity of frequent oiling and for this purpose means is provided for maintaining a sufficient supply of clean oil to last approximately one year.

Another object is to provide a simple yet eflicient construction for maintaining the oil in useful position, for changing the oil, and for keeping it clean.

A further object is the provision of an automatically lubricating windmill turntable.

Other objects will be apparent hereinafter or will be pointed out as the description proceeds.

An eflicient embodiment of my invention is illustrated in the accompanying drawing wherein:

Figure 1 is a fragmentary side elevation of a windmill embodying my invention;

Figure 2 is a vertical section taken on the line 22 of Figure 1;

Figure 3 is a horizontal section taken on line 3-8 of Figure 2; and

Figure 4 is a plan view of the lower part of the turntable with the upper portion removed.

Similar numerals refer to corresponding parts in the several views.

On the drawing, 1 is the main stem which carries the superstructure of any desired kind and supports the weight of the same. It is provided with a central hole 2 through which passes the shaft 3 on its way from the top of the windmill toward the bottom.

he bottom of said stem is concave, as

shown, thus forming a circular domed chamher l. This concave construction provides a depending annular flange or leg 5 on which the stem rests as will appear more clearly hereinafter.

Leading diagonally into the chamber 4 through the stem 1 is the passage 6 which may be provided with a fitting or valve (not shown). This passage may lead from any convenient point on the outside wall of the stem to the chamber at or near the top thereof and serves as means to introduce lubricant into the chamber.

Attached to the stem close to the lower extremity thereof is the guard or shield 7. This may consist of a metallic band with a depending skirt or flange olfset from the band to take care of the upstanding flange 8 of the lower part of the turntable 9, as will be further explained hereinafter. The guard or shield is secured to the stem as by screws 10.

The depending flange 5 of stem 1 rests upon the floor of the lower part of the turntable 9. An upstanding circumferential flange 8 is provided on the lower part of the turntable 9 within which, with a measure of clearance, fits depending flange 5 aforesaid. As shown guard '7 covers the joint thereby formed by means of the ofiset and depending skirt and thus dust, rain, or foreign matter is kept out.

A hole 11 is provided in part 9 and may have a suitable fitting or valve (not shown). This allows removal or drainage of the lubricant from the chamber or reservoir 4 in a manner which is clear. It is generally useful for drain out the spent lubricant together with any slight foreign matter and is preferably located interiorly of the flanges 5 and 8.

Rising from the central portion of part 8 around central hole 12, which registers with hole 2 and through which shaft 3 also passes, is a tapered boss or wall 18. This completes the chamber 4 and assists in securing the results of the invention.

Extending downwardly from part 9 is a collar 14 which is shown integral therewith but which may be separate therefrom and suitably secured thereto, If desired, said collar 14 may be bolted or otherwise secured as at 15 to the supporting tower 16 of the windmill. Part way down the tower is a guide 17 for shaft 3 for the usual purpose.

All the above is intended to be more illustrative than limitative and I do not limit myself thereto except as contained in the subjoined claims. 7

It will be evident fromv Figure 2 that the ends ofthe towerframe members 16 aresecured within the collar or socket member 10 14 and their ends abutting the bottom of the turntable or cup member 9. It" is also noted that the boss member 13 closely approaches the rear wall of the recess or chamber &. Thus, a very satisfactory bearing support is 15 provided and bending strain upon the shaft 3 is substantially eliminated.

Having thus described my invention and illustrated its use, what I claim as new and desire to secure by Letters Patent of the United States is:

A combined lubricating bearing and tower element connector for a windmill superstructure comprising a cup-like lubricant receiving support, a tower frame member confining socket extending fromthe bottom-of said support at approximately the medial portion thereof, means for securing the tower frame members to said socket, the'interior of said I cup having a medial substantially conical shaped bearing boss concentric with. said socket, a main superstructure stemhaving a recessed: end providing a circular flange insertible into said cup-like member and supported upon the bottom thereof about said boss, a skirt secured to the lower end of said stem and receiving the upper portion of said lubricant receiving support, and a bearing shaft extending through said boss and stem, the end of said boss extending substantially to the rear wall of said stem recess, said stem having means for the introduction of alubricant to said cup and lubricant drain means in the bottom of said cup.

In testimony whereof I hereunto set my hand this 23rd day of February, 1929.

GROVER C. B'AIRD. [L. s] 

